For generations, we have heard the familiar phrase “Dadi Maa ke nuskhe” —the time-tested remedies passed down by our grandmothers. From hair oils prepared at home to herbal pastes made from ingredients found in nature, these traditional practices were once an integral part of everyday Indian life. Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers relied on what nature offered. They gathered herbs, prepared ingredients, boiled them, ground them into pastes, and applied them as part of their regular beauty routines. These rituals were not simply traditions, they were a way of life.
How Convenience Changed Our Beauty Habits
As modern lifestyles evolved, our routines began to change. Preparing a herbal remedy required time, effort, and patience. Ingredients had to be sourced, cleaned, ground, boiled, or mixed before they could be used. Gradually, ready-to-use products became more appealing because they offered convenience and immediate results. In this transition, traditional practices slowly lost their place in many households. Convenience became a priority, and elaborate home-based rituals were often replaced by commercially available beauty products. This reflects the very reason many traditional remedies gave way to modern alternatives. People did not necessarily stop valuing natural ingredients; they simply began choosing solutions that demanded less time and effort.
The Return to Traditional Beauty Wisdom
Today, however, we are witnessing a renewed interest in traditional Indian beauty rituals. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the products they use daily, the ingredients they contain, and their potential effects on personal well-being and the environment. From skincare and haircare to household and personal care products, people are increasingly looking beyond marketing claims and asking questions about formulations, ingredients, and long-term use.
This has encouraged many consumers to rediscover the practices they once learned from their grandmothers. Herbal oils, plant-based ingredients, and traditional haircare rituals are finding a place in modern beauty routines—not necessarily because everything traditional is automatically better, but because people want more transparency, familiarity, and informed choices. The opportunity lies in combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding: preserving useful practices while ensuring that products meet appropriate standards of quality and safety.
Rethinking Hair Colour: A More Informed Choice
One area where this shift deserves particular attention is hair colouring. For many people, the first appearance of grey hair can be an important moment. When just *2%, 5%, or 6%* of the hair turns grey, people often begin colouring it regularly to maintain their natural-looking appearance. This early stage presents an opportunity to make an informed decision about the type of hair colour one wishes to use over time. Conventional permanent hair colours often rely on oxidative ingredients, including hydrogen peroxide and dye intermediates such as PPD. Depending on the formulation and frequency of use, these products may contribute to hair-shaft damage, dryness, or breakage.
For those who prefer to avoid conventional oxidative colouring, plant-based alternatives made with ingredients such as henna and indigo may be worth exploring. These products work differently, and their shade range, application time, and coverage can vary. The important point is to understand the formulation rather than relying solely on claims such as *herbal, natural, or ammonia-free.* A genuinely informed choice begins with reading the ingredient list and understanding how the product works. It is equally important to recognise that there is no established evidence that conventional hair colouring inevitably accelerates greying. Choosing a natural alternative should be about personal preference, ingredient awareness, and suitability—not fear-based claims.
Three Groups Who Should Pay Particular Attention
1. People Just Beginning to Colour Their Hair
If you have only a few grey strands, this is a good time to explore your options before establishing a long-term colouring routine. Consider your desired shade, the frequency of application, the condition of your hair, and your sensitivity to particular ingredients. If you prefer a plant-based approach, choose a clearly labelled formulation and understand its limitations. Making an informed decision early can help you find a routine that suits your needs and preferences.
2. Women Who Are Pregnant
Pregnancy is a time when many women become especially mindful of their exposure to different products and ingredients. It is understandable to want additional reassurance about the products used on the hair and scalp. However, it would be inaccurate to suggest that ordinary hair colouring has been proven to cause harm to a developing baby when used as directed. The level of exposure depends on the product, its ingredients, and how it is used. If you are pregnant and considering hair colour, discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional. You may also choose to postpone colouring or explore a suitable plant-based alternative after checking the full ingredient list.
3. Men Who Colour Their Beards
Beard colouring deserves particular attention because facial skin can be sensitive, and hair dye may come into contact with the skin for an extended period. Some oxidative dye ingredients, particularly PPD, are known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Reactions may include itching, redness, swelling, and irritation, and facial swelling can sometimes be severe. For men who regularly colour their beards, understanding the ingredients is therefore essential. A suitable plant-based alternative may be worth considering, provided its ingredients are clearly disclosed and the product is intended for beard use.
Always follow the product’s safety instructions. Never use a hair dye on facial hair unless the product is specifically intended for that purpose, and do not use any dye if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to it.
Bringing the Wisdom of the Past into Modern Life
The renewed interest in Indian herbal traditions represents more than a beauty trend. It reflects a desire to reconnect with familiar practices while making more thoughtful decisions about everyday products. Our grandmothers taught us the value of patience, consistency, and making use of what nature provides. Modern life has taught us the value of convenience. We do not necessarily have to choose one over the other. Instead, we can bring the best of both worlds together. When it comes to hair colouring, the message is simple, Understand what you use, Read the label, and Choose a product that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Dr. Yawer Ali Shah, Co Founder & CEO, AMA Herbal Group